Haji Ali Dargah

Situated amidst a beautiful ambience along the Arabian Sea, the shrine of Haji Ali is devoted to a rich trader who surrendered everything to become a Muslim Sufi saint after his odyssey to Mecca. One of Mumbai's best places to visit, the Haji Ali Dargah, is situated on a tiny island off southern Mumbai, near the Worli area.

History of Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali, a mysterious sage from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, has a legend-like life. Folktales say he was passing a poor woman whose oil had spilled when her husband threatened her. He accompanied the woman to the spill. The impoverished woman rejoiced as the oil flowed from the location after being torched. Then he dreamed about Earth's traumatization constantly. After it wore him down, he went to India to teach Islam. 

Haji Ali was almost 87 years into his life, a life that had spanned within the celestial will; thus, he instructed his followers to refrain from burying him immediately. The Haji Ali Dargah was erected in 1431. Tradition states he even parted with his form and wealth for the Mecca pilgrimage and died halfway during his journey to Mecca. As a miracle, his casket reached a rocky islet off Worli.

Architecture

The Haji Ali Shrine, located on a small island with the Arabian Sea in the background, is a magnificent structure of 4,500 sq. meters and 85 feet tall. It features a central dome and four smaller spires built from white marble. In 1960 and 1964, authorities renovated the shrine and replaced the old sanatorium with a new one. The building has two floors, a main cenotaph, a Qawwal Khana, ladies' rest shade, and toilets. A red and green cloak, called the 'Chaddar,' covers the tomb.

Best Time to Visit Haji Ali Dargah

People say that the best time to visit Haji Ali Dargah is between October and March. During this time, the waves are low, making it easy to get to the Dargah. You can also go to the Dargah during religious holidays like Ramadan, Eid, and Urs, the most crucial event in the Dargah.

More than thirty thousand people go to the mosque every Thursday and Friday to ask Haji Ali Shah to bless them. It is a must-visit spot included in many Mumbai tour packages.

High Tide and Accessibility Issues

Here, people from all religions and walks of life come to pray. The only way to approach the Dargah is through a passage that is encompassed by water on all sides at low tide. It is breathtaking to witness, at night, the silhouette of the church on the horizon through the water, with nothing in between except the sea.